Car Set Alight by Torched Wheelie Bin As Family Were Sleeping

A dad has slammed yobs for putting his family at risk after they set fire to the family's wheelie bin which torched their car.

Dad Steven Maccauley was outraged when yobs set fire to his wheelie bin whilst the family were sleeping at their home in St Helens. The torched bin, which had been put out front for collection, was next to the family's new car, and the fire spread, setting the car alight.

Luckily, a quick thinking neighbour called the fire service immediately after hearing a loud band, which was caused by the car's tyre popping under the extreme heat.

Steven awoke at 3.30am to the sound of shouting, and when he looked out, his car was in flames, and firefighters were already on the scene. He is extremely thankful that nobody was hurt and that the fire hadn't spread to the house - but condemned such a thoughtless act, which could have put his family at risk.

The 52 year old was also upset by the loss of his new Kia Sportage which he had saved for three years to buy. The car, which he had only used twice before, was needed for the practicality of taking his three year old son to Alder Hey hospital for bone-marrow transplants.

The fire on Knowlsey Road, St Helens is believed to have been started by a recycling box which had been set alight and caused the wheelie bin to melt.

Stephen has appealed to anyone thinking of doing something like this, to think about the damage that they could cause. He has been told by his insurance company that it is unlikely he will be able to recoup the full value of his car, and his driveway has been ruined by the diesel spillage too.